2008 Competition: Issues
Global Issues - United Nations
People are constantly struggling with different issues around the world. Whatever personal issues individuals might face, there are some basic needs and rights to be pursued for all.
Every person should be entitled to a solid and stable roof above his/her head, the right to live in a safe and secure environment and the right to acceptance of one's religion, ethnicity, race, gender and other human distinctions.
The United Nations fights to grant every person such fundamental rights, to relieve suffering in these areas, and especially to promote awareness about these issues.
By creating films on issues that you find important or that directly impact your lives, you can help create awareness and promote general knowledge of pressing global issues such as climate change, human rights, intellectual property, migration, peace and tolerance.
For more information on all these issues go to: http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/fyi/index.html
For the FYI competition 2008, the United Nations Department of Public Information presents six global issues that you experience or you are affected by in your own environment.
The United Nations Department of Public Information will present two special awards to winners of the best film in the category — UN Global themes — and the best film on human rights.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will present a third special award for the best film on intellectual property.
The six issues:
Climate Change
Climate Change has finally taken hold in the public consciousness. With it, inevitably, comes a sense of urgency that decisive action is needed now, before it’s too late. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called climate change the "defining issue of our era... How we address it, will define us, our era and ultimately the global legacy we leave for future generations."
Human Rights
Human rights refer to “the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, including the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law.” On 10 December 2008, the United Nations will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Intellectual Property
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works (including music and films) and symbols, names, images and designs used in commerce.
Peace
The maintenance of peace and security is the raison d'etre of the United Nations. Peace is a common desire for peoples throughout the world. The establishment of the United Nations in 1945, at the end of the most devastating war in human history, was an embodiment of this universal desire.
Tolerance
In its extreme, intolerance leads to conflicts and wars. There is also racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance, as was evident in conflicts such as in Bosnia and Rwanda. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) note that five key planks are required to overcome intolerance: law, education, access to information, individual awareness and local solutions.
Migration
Migration is the mass movement of people, legally or illegally, voluntarily or forced, in search of a better life. We see evidence of it in our cities, towns and villages. Migration is also triggered by economic necessity or persecution, conflict or war.
